India Clinch Maiden ICC Women’s World Cup Title, Beat South Africa by 52 Runs in a Historic Final
Shafali, Deepti Shine as India Lift Maiden Women’s World Cup Title
Navi Mumbai: History was made at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday evening as India’s women cricketers lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling, rain-delayed final.
Put in to bat after a two-hour delay, India put up a commanding total of 298 for 7, riding on a brilliant 87 by Shafali Verma, a fluent 45 from Smriti Mandhana, and a composed 58 off 58 balls by Deepti Sharma. The trio ensured India stayed in control throughout, even as South African bowlers fought hard to contain the scoring rate.
Openers Verma and Mandhana gave India a flying start, adding 104 runs for the first wicket. Mandhana’s dismissal to spin briefly slowed the pace, but Verma carried on with maturity and aggression, steering India toward a big total. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh (34) added vital middle-order runs to keep the scoreboard ticking.
In reply, South Africa began steadily but never quite recovered from regular setbacks. Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant century (101 off 98) kept their hopes alive, but once she fell, the Indian bowlers closed out the game clinically, bundling South Africa out for 246.
The victory sparked wild celebrations both on the field and in the stands, as fans erupted in joy witnessing India’s women finally capture the crown that eluded them in 2005 and 2017.
“This win is for every Indian who believed in us,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur, holding the glittering trophy aloft. “It’s been a long journey — today, we’ve written a new chapter for Indian women’s cricket.”
The match was packed with electric moments — Verma’s audacious strokeplay, Mandhana’s classic drives, Deepti’s calm finish, and a fiery spell from Renuka Singh that broke South Africa’s middle order.
With this victory, India not only broke their World Cup jinx but also underlined their growing dominance in women’s cricket. The triumph is expected to inspire a new generation of players and further boost the sport’s popularity across the country.
At the DY Patil Stadium, filled to the brim with tricolour flags and chants of “India! India!”, the night ended with fireworks lighting up the Mumbai sky — a fitting tribute to a team that made a billion dreams come true.
